Lavender Hill woman with vocal cord palsy finally scheduled for surgery assessment
The provincial surgical backlog stands at 99,979 patients, with 87,975 waiting over a year and 20,027 over 60 months.
Image: Supplied
The 77-year-old Lavender Hill woman who suffers from vocal cord palsy and is among 100,000 patients affected by the surgery backlog in the Western Cape can breathe a sigh of relief after doctors have confirmed she has been scheduled for a full clinical assessment.
In December, the Cape Argus told of Elizabeth Williams’ daughter’s plight, Glenda Williams, who pleaded with Groote Schuur Hospital management to provide her with elective surgery.
She cited her deteriorating health, daily vomiting and choking, and a foul-smelling, foul-smelling tracheostomy discharging pus, indicating a worsening condition and urgent need for intervention to prevent complications like aspiration or pneumonia.
She claimed that Groote Schuur Hospital failed to provide adequate care, repeatedly turning her mother away from scheduled surgery.
Elizabeth Williams, a 77-year-old woman from Lavender Hill, is set for a crucial surgical assessment after a prolonged wait due to the surgical backlog in the Western Cape.
Image: supplied
Following the publication of Williams’ plight, Esethu Madlwabinga from the Communication Department of Health and Wellness, Western Cape Government, confirmed that Elizabeth would be seen by a panel of doctors.
“Groote Schuur Hospital acknowledges the concerns and distress experienced by the patient and her family. We confirm that the patient’s daughter has been contacted regarding her mother’s appointment and will accompany her on January 26, 2026, when a full clinical assessment will be undertaken. We are here to support the family should they have any questions or need assistance, and we encourage them to reach out to us.”
Williams said that due to the sensitive nature, they would only be responding following her surgery.
In June, MEC for Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, revealed that the provincial surgical backlog stands at 99,979 patients, with 87,975 waiting over a year and 20,027 over 60 months. The delays stem primarily from the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw staff redeployment and the postponement of elective procedures. Although surgical activity returned to pre-COVID levels by 2023, momentum slowed in 2024 and 2025 due to national budgetary constraints.
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